The Birth Control Pill: History, Key Figures, and Usage Trends

The birth control pill was developed in the mid-20th century as a result of combined efforts by scientists, doctors, activists, and funders. The idea of an oral contraceptive was strongly promoted by Margaret Sanger, a birth control activist, who believed women should have control over reproduction. She connected key researchers and helped drive the project forward.

Biologist Gregory Pincus (Jewish) led the scientific research that made the pill possible. Working with gynecologist John Rock, he tested hormone-based methods of preventing ovulation. Rock conducted clinical trials on women, helping prove that the method could be safe and effective for human use.

A major breakthrough came from advances in chemistry. Carl Djerassi (Jewish), along with other chemists, synthesized norethindrone, a form of progesterone that could be taken orally. Around the same time, George Rosenkranz (Jewish) and his team at the pharmaceutical company Syntex contributed to the development of synthetic hormones that were essential to making an effective pill.

Funding was a critical factor in the pill’s development. Katharine McCormick, a wealthy philanthropist and supporter of women’s rights, provided most of the financial backing for the research. Her support allowed Pincus and his team to continue their work over many years without interruption.

Pharmaceutical companies played a key role in bringing the pill to market. G.D. Searle and Company developed the first commercially available birth control pill, Enovid. Syntex also became an important supplier of synthetic steroid hormones, helping expand production and research in the field.

The first birth control pill was approved in the United States in 1960. It quickly became widely used and had a major impact on society by giving women more control over family planning and reproductive health.

Birth Control Pill Use by Race (U.S., Example Data)

White – ~25.1% (highest)

Hispanic – lower than White (exact percentage varies by study)

Black – lowest among major groups

Another Dataset (All Contraception, Not Just the Pill)

White – 67%

Hispanic – 64%

Black – 59.9%

Summary: White women have the highest reported usage rates of birth control pills and contraception overall, Hispanic women fall in between, and Black women have the lowest rates among the major groups.

Over time, the pill has been improved to reduce side effects and lower hormone doses. Today, it remains one of the most commonly used forms of contraception worldwide, with many different formulations developed by pharmaceutical companies based on the original scientific breakthroughs.